Davidson’s announces ‘NRA edition’ 10/22 takedown model

Earlier today, Davidsons – one of the largest firearms wholesale companies in the nation – announced a brand new, exclusive-to-its-dealers “NRA Special Edition” takedown model of the famous Ruger 10/22 semiautomatic rifle, which is quite possibly the most popular self-loading rimfire on the map, and the introduction is sure to raise the hackles of anti-gunners.

Why? Because, according to Davidson’s announcement, both Davidson’s and Ruger contribute $10 to the National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action, the association’s influential lobbying arm. One just might anticipate a buying surge for these guns in the Pacific Northwest, especially if the NRA goes toe-to-toe against the well-financed Seattle-based group pushing Initiative 594, the 18-page gun control measure that was discussed last week in state House and Senate hearings.

Gun owners here might double down if the NRA actually does what anti-gunners have already been intimating in their fund raising appeals by associating the organization with the competing measure, Initiative 591. As NRA lobbyist Brian Judy confirmed to the Senate Law & Justice Committee last week, the association has not taken a position on that measure, putting the lie to assertions that the NRA was somehow behind, or connected with, the I-591 grassroots campaign.

Each rifle comes with a brown cordura case that can be carried in the hand or on the back like a backpack. The case is clearly marked “NRA Special Edition” with the association’s official seal logo. The rifle is fitted with High-Viz fiber optic sights and the receiver is drilled and tapped for a scope base, which comes with the rifle. This model has a natural gear camo finish on the stock and a ten-round rotary magazine.

The Ruger 10/22 is known throughout the firearms community as a rugged, reliable and accurate semi-auto. It has spawned a cottage industry of accessory makers who produce replacement stocks and barrels, and large-capacity magazines. Ruger even produces a 25-rounder of its own. As a small game and varmint rifle, the 10/22 has a proven track record, and for recreational shooting and even target work, it has a solid reputation. This columnist has personally used a 10/22 mounted with a scope to shoot the heads off wooden kitchen matches at 25 yards, using a sandbag rest.

Davidson’s Kevin Wilson confirmed to Examiner via telephone that this special edition rifle will be available through stocking dealers across the map. Visit the company’s “Gallery of Guns” website, locate a dealer near you and order a rifle. There are a number of them in Washington, Idaho and Oregon. The Gallery of Guns also has its own Facebook page.

Davidson’s ship’s this rifle to the local dealer where the buyer goes through the mandatory NICS check at time of purchase. One simply can’t buy this rifle on-line and have it shipped to their door, as gun prohibitionists might have people believe.

The NRA Special Edition package should address the hoplophobia of certain people who get angst at the mere sight of a firearm. That sentiment was clearly defined last week by State Sen. Jeannie Darneille, as reported first by this column.

“I am not a person who handles guns,” she stated. “I don’t own guns. I don’t…they shock me, quite frankly. We’re an open carry state and when I see people open carrying their guns, while it may be perfectly legal, it creates a visceral, personal, physical reaction in me as it does in other people…”

Odd that the senator did not seem to react that way when Assistant Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best sat down in full uniform in the front row, with a Glock pistol openly carried on her belt.

Ruger recently made headlines here when CEO Michael O. Fifer stepped up to the plate by submitting a declaration to the federal court in California, in support of a lawsuit being pursued there by the Second Amendment Foundation, against that state’s microstamping law. Likewise, Smith & Wesson President and CEO James Debney also submitted a statement to the court, and earlier, attorneys for Glock, Inc. submitted an amicus brief supporting the lawsuit.

By marketing this new NRA Special Edition takedown Ruger 10/22 rifle, with part of the sale proceeds going to NRA/ILA, the two companies are taking a swipe at the gun prohibition lobby the best way they know how.

In the process, they’re selling a dandy little rifle package with a great reputation, providing more American jobs and contributing to the economy. When has the gun ban lobby ever accomplished as much?

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Dave Workman is an author, senior editor at TheGunMag.com, communications director for the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, award-winning outdoor writer, former member of the NRA Board of Directors and recognized expert on Washington State gun laws.